Assessing the Impact of Leaf Extract from Cestrum nocturnum on the Lipid Profile in Wistar Rats with Dyslipidemia: A Review

AbstractDyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipid levels, is a major risk factor for cardiovasculardiseases and is often associated with conditions like diabetes. Traditional medicinal plants offerpotential therapeutic alternatives with fewer side effects. Cestrum nocturnum L. (familySolanaceae), commonly known as night-blooming jasmine or raat rani, has been used inethnomedicine for various ailments, including metabolic disorders. This review synthesizesavailable evidence on the hypolipidemic effects of C. nocturnum leaf extracts in Wistar rats withinduced dyslipidemia, primarily in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic models wheredyslipidemia is a comorbidity. Phytochemical screening reveals flavonoids, saponins, tannins,sterols, and triterpenoids as key bioactive compounds. Studies demonstrate significant reductionsin total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-densitylipoprotein (VLDL), alongside increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), comparable tostandard drugs like metformin and atorvastatin. Mechanisms may involve inhibition of lipidsynthesis enzymes and antioxidant activity. While promising, evidence is limited to preclinicalstudies, with calls for further research on toxicity and clinical translation. This review highlightsthe potential of C. nocturnum as a natural hypolipidemic agent.